Skip to content
PerfectPal
Français

Questions to ask a seller

What to ask before you pay anything. A careful seller will be glad you asked, and will have questions for you too.

Birds: what to ask

  1. Was the bird hand-fed or raised by its parents, and is it fully weaned?
  2. What does it eat every day: pellets, seed, fresh food?
  3. Has it been seen by an avian vet, and tested for the diseases that matter for this species?
  4. How was its sex determined: DNA, or by eye?
  5. Does it have a closed leg band or other proof it was bred in captivity?
  6. Does this species need a permit or CITES paperwork, and do you provide it?
  7. How much is it handled, and how does it react to new people?
  8. If I can't keep the bird at any point in its life, will you take it back?

Whatever the animal

  1. Can I see the animal, and where it's kept, in person or on a live video call?
  2. Can I have copies of its health records, and the name of your vet?
  3. Is there a written contract, and can I read it before I pay a deposit?
  4. What happens if it falls ill in the first weeks, or it doesn't work out?
  5. How do you take payment, and is the deposit refundable?
  6. Can I contact you with questions after it comes home?
  7. Can I speak to someone who has had an animal from you?

Be wary of a seller who won't answer, won't let you see the animal (in person or on a live video call), or wants payment by gift card, wire or e-transfer to someone else's name.

Staying safe: how to spot a scamCheck a contract before you sign